The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space Chapter 2386: Destroying the Shen Family (2)

Emperor Xuanjing, upon reviewing the promissory notes, erupted in fury. "Preposterous!" he declared, flinging them towards Tian Zhi.

Tian Zhi’s complexion had already turned a deathly pale; he understood escape was impossible for him today. Yet, humans often cling to any sliver of hope when facing their end. Thus, he hastily turned his gaze to Shen Wanxing: "Minister Shen, you stated I could have a month's delay, you proclaimed…"

"Utter falsehoods! When did I ever suggest such a delay could be granted?" Shen Wanxing was drenched in sweat. How could this turn of events occur? Nevertheless, he dared not confess anything at this critical juncture.

The assembled officials remained silent, their tongues tied. The matter concerned military provisions, funds vital for the sustenance of the soldiers engaged in arduous combat. Embezzling such resources was, unequivocally, a capital offense.

Emperor Xuanjing drew a deep, steadying breath. "Tian Zhi shall face immediate execution. Shen Wanxing, for his gross negligence in duty, will be confined to prison temporarily, awaiting further adjudication."

Swiftly, imperial guards stepped forward, remòving Shen Wanxing’s official cap. Amidst his desperate supplications, he was unceremoniously dragged away.

"Dispatch a urgent message to Gu Qingheng immediately, informing him that each soldier will receive an additional tael of silver this month, to be disbursed concurrently with the current month's pay," Emperor Xuanjing instructed Eunuch Ping, his voice resonating with urgency.

Eunuch Ping inclined his head in affirmation before turning to fulfill the directive.

"Father." Qi Jingyi advanced once more, performing a respectful salute. "Your son volunteers to serve as the imperial envoy, personally escorting the military funds to the front lines."

"Father." At that very moment, the Tenth Prince, Qi Jingrong, also came forward and knelt. "Your son is also eager to join my Eighth Brother at the front lines, to campaign against Nanzhao and the Flame Sect, and to effect the rescue of our Third Brother."

"So be it." Emperor Xuanjing gestured dismissively. "I decree that you both shall escort the military funds to Dian City, aid Gu Qingheng in repelling the enemy, and depart without delay."

Within the secluded confines of the Crown Prince Residence's study.

"That Shen Wanxing is truly useless," Qi Jingyi exclaimed, slamming his hand on the table. "Brother Crown Prince, we cannot allow him to emerge from this situation unscathed."

"Compose yourself," Qi Jingchen advised, taking a measured sip of his tea and casting a casual glance. "At your age, why do you still act with such impulsiveness?"

Qi Jingyi pursed his lips but, indeed, settled himself.

"This predicament is far from simple," the Crown Prince sighed, his expression grave. "Shen Wanxing has operated in the shadows for years, weaving a complex web of alliances. If the roots of the problem are not entirely severed, it will inevitably lead to further complications. To eradicate him completely, we must proceed with utmost caution, securing irrefutable evidence—evidence that is undeniably damning."

Qi Jingyi let out a soft sigh; it was the truth. Shen Wanxing’s current offense could only be classified as dereliction of duty, insufficient grounds for execution. Though no one spoke in his defense now, it was certain that advocates would surface later.

"Shen Wanxing hails from Baihua County," the Crown Prince suddenly remarked, looking directly at Qi Jingyi.

A spark ignited in Qi Jingyi’s eyes. "Indeed! The Shen family maintains the Baiwei Restaurant in Lianhua Town, currently overseen by his brother, Shen Wanyin. His parents, too, reside in their ancestral home in the old Shen manor." A sardonic smile curved his lips. "The very reason Shen Wanxing targeted Gu Qingheng was because Yang Ruxin had previously offended the Shen family."

"Therefore, if Xinxin becomes aware of this entire affair, what consequences do you foresee?" The Crown Prince posed the question nonchalantly, yet his tone carried a significant weight of implication.

"Haha! Xinxin likely already knows. I wager she can bring the entire Shen family to ruin. Allow me to recount, the last time, Shen Wenbi of the Shen family was drugged by Xinxin, and subsequently…" Recalling the event, Qi Jingyi felt a surge of satisfaction. "I shall inform Xinxin without delay." Gu Qingheng might attempt to conceal it from her, "Then, she can uncover the Shen family’s criminal wrongdoings firsthand." Even if the Shen family were truly innocent, based on Shen Wanxing’s current actions, they could be made to appear guilty.